Fines & Fees

ItemLoan PeriodLimitsRenewalsDaily Overdue Fine
Books (Adult & Children)3 Weeks2$0.00
Books on CD & Playaways3 Weeks2$0.00
Magazines3 Weeks2$0.00
Lucky U Books (Juvenile & Youth)3 WeeksNone$0.00
Lucky U Books (Adult)3 WeeksNone$2.00
Lucky U Hotspots3 Weeks
None		$5.00
DVDs3 Weeks2$0.00
Lucky U DVDs1 weekNone$0.00
Museum Passes that need to be returned to WFL1 Day1 per card per dayNone$10.00
Commonwealth Catalog28 DaysSet by Source LibraryNone$0.00
Interlibrary LoanSet by Source LibrarySet by Source LibrarySet by Source Library$2.00
Library of Things3 weeksNone$0.00

Borrowing

Patrons are allowed a total of 150 items to be checked out to their account.

There is a limit of 50 requests per account.

Items cannot be borrowed or renewed if:

  • The overdue charges are over $5.00.
  • Have 10 or more overdue items.
  • One item at billed state.
  • More than 150 items checked out.

Lost or Damaged Items

  • Card holders are responsible for items checked out on their card.
  • Lost or damaged items can be paid for by check or online.
  • We do not accept replacement copies.
  • No refunds are issued.
  • The replacement fee for a lost or damaged Commonwealth Catalog item is $100.00

The Wellesley Free Library reserves the right to suspend the borrowing privileges of patrons who repeatedly do not return Library of Things or Lucky U hotspots on time.  This is to ensure that items in the Library of Things and hotspots are available to as many patrons as possible.

Fine Free Frequently Asked Questions

WFL is Fine Free as of December 1, 2023

Why Eliminate Fines?

We want all patrons to have access to the library. Research shows that overdue fines are not effective in encouraging the return of library materials. Instead, fines can quickly become a barrier to using the library. Occasionally things happen and it can be difficult to return items on time, but we don’t want overdue fines to discourage patrons from the invaluable services that our Library offers.

What does ‘Fine Free’ mean for WFL?

As of December 1, 2023, overdue fines are not charged for late returns or renewals of most borrowed items.  Adult Lucky U books and returnable Museum Passes will still accrue overdue fines.

How does it work?

  • Due Dates
    Every item checked out will still have a due date. Please remember that someone else may be waiting for an item, so bring it back on time.
  • Will reminders still be sent about due dates?
    Patrons will continue to receive email or text reminders regarding due dates.
  • What charges will occur?
    Our fine free initiative applies to most overdue items. Adult Lucky U Books and Museum Passes that have to be returned will still be charged overdue fines. Replacement fees for lost or damaged items will still be charged. Items checked out at other Minuteman Library Network libraries, as well as interlibrary loan items are subject to that library’s borrowing policies, which may include overdue fines. Fines and bills for items owned by other libraries cannot be cleared by the Wellesley Free Library.
  • How will the Library get people to return borrowed materials?
    “No fines” does not mean “no responsibility.” Patrons are still responsible for returning materials on time. Accounts with unpaid charges of $100 or more, or with materials that are more than 28 days overdue will be blocked from checking out additional materials until the items have been returned or a replacement fee has been paid.
  • Blocked Accounts
    If an item is 28 days overdue, the cardholder’s account will be blocked from checking out additional materials. If the item is not returned more than 28 days after the due date, the cardholder will be charged the replacement cost for the unreturned item. If an item is returned with damage, the cardholder will be charged a replacement fee.

Has the library eliminated replacement fees?

No. Replacement costs for damaged or lost items will still be charged to cardholder accounts.

Why isn’t WFL removing lost item charges?

The Library’s collection – the books, movies, and other materials – is a core library service. It is a substantial investment of taxpayer funds, and to be good stewards of these funds, we must enforce compensation for lost or damaged items.

What about hold times? Will I have to wait forever for my item?

Good news! Most fine free libraries report that a majority of patrons still return their materials on time, and waitlists aren’t affected. Don’t worry – library staff will be monitoring the effect on waitlists and adjust accordingly, and we always encourage patrons to return materials on time so others can enjoy them.

What about the lost revenue that overdue fines generated? How can I support the library?

Overdue fines do not support Library operations and if they did, they would account for less than one-half of a percent of our budget. Anyone who would like to donate to support innovative programming and enhanced resources may make a gift to the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries or The Wellesley Free Library Foundation. We appreciate your support!

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